Deputies, security officers and cadets on patrol

A ride along with one of Pierce’s security officers offers an inside look at the college sheriffs and their strategies for embracing the peace

Carlos Islas / Roundup

During his routine patrol of the college campus, the sheriff’s security officer encountered three individuals placing flyers for a weight loss program on car windshields in Lot 7.

After approaching the group, officer Justin Ramos, asked the men to stop placing the flyers and leave the campus if they are not students.

“They [could be using] placing flyers as a way to look into cars,” said Ramos. “They’ll see what they have and break in.”

Resuming his patrol, he heads to the other side of the parking lot and pretends he’s leaving. After reaching the designated exit he makes his way back to the middle of the parking lot.

It’s a move Ramos refers to as a “double back.” Today, he used it to make sure the group has left and are no longer placing their flyers on student windshields.

Encounters like these are not uncommon for the green shirted sheriff’s deputies, white shirted security officers and blue clad cadets that routinely patrol the college campus to ensure the safety of the students.

“We can go months and months where nothing happens and then the next day we’ll be really busy,” said Ramos.

Patrolling: Sheriff's Security Officer Bryan Chavez patrols the campus in his car. Daily and unpredictable patrols keep criminals on their toes and help students stay safe.

Emmad Abbasi / Roundup

The deputies, cadets and security officers have no set routine to abide by when patrolling the campus, according to Ramos.

They begin their patrol wherever they please, spend time where they feel they’re needed and have no set route; as long as they cover the entire campus. This ensures that criminals will not be able to predict the officer or cadet’s next step.

Deputies, cadets and security officers can go either on foot, by bike, cart or patrol vehicle during patrol.

Anyone unfortunate enough to spend time in the back seat of patrol car soon discovers it has no door handles or locks. The doors are opened from the outside and locked by the sheriffs from the front.

On foot, officers can cover the Mall and the building hallways. Those who choose to patrol on foot have to remain close enough to a patrol unit in case any trouble arises.

Security officers will react to a situation depending on the individual’s attitude, according to Ramos. Cadets, however, they are not allowed to engage any individuals. They must call their superiors to handle any problems they encounter.